Hopscotch Music Festival

The third edition of JLF North Carolina, an international edition of the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival, comes to Raleigh September 11–13, 2026, bringing the spirit of one of the world's leading literary festivals to the Triangle. Celebrating the many arts, stories, and histories of Raleigh—the “City of Oaks”—JLF North Carolina will feature thought-provoking conversations, compelling performances, author sessions, and cultural experiences exploring literature, ideas, history, society, and the world around us. The festival will take place at Meredith College and NC State’s Institute for Emerging Issues. The program will bring together acclaimed authors, artists, thinkers, journalists, and cultural leaders from North Carolina and around the world. The 2026 lineup includes Belle Boggs, Jeff Tiberii, Karan Mahajan, Bob Crawford, and many more. The Jaipur Literature Festival takes place annually in Jaipur, India, and is internationally celebrated as the “greatest literary show on Earth.” Its spirit now travels through international editions across the US, UK, Canada, Spain, the Maldives, and Australia, bringing together diverse literary traditions and the unique culture of each host region. JLF North Carolina offers readers, families, students, educators, writers, and curious minds an opportunity to discover new perspectives, hear remarkable stories, and experience the power of books and ideas right here in Raleigh.

FREE Family Fest in Raleigh — Saturday, September 12! Looking for a full day of family fun, creativity, connection, and outdoor adventure? Join us for the 3rd Annual Family Fest at Lakeside Retreats! Optional overnight Camping 📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026 ⏰ 8:00 AM–9:00 PM 📍 4521 Mial Plantation Road, Raleigh, NC 27610 🎟️ FREE admission Enjoy a day filled with: 🔥 Fire show 🎨 Art activities 🥋 Martial arts class 🫧 Bubbles 🧘 Yoga and sound bath 🌲 Forest bathing 🏕️ S’mores and optional overnight camping 🍴 Food trucks and vendors 💛 Sensory yurt 🎤 Guest speakers 🏆 Tug of war …and so much more!

Four hours for them. Four hours for YOU. Drop the kids off at Battle House Laser Tag for a night packed with laser tag, pizza, a movie, and more laser tag. Meanwhile, you can go to dinner, catch a movie, run errands, enjoy a quiet house, or simply remember what it feels like to finish a sentence without being interrupted. Details Ages: 7 to 13 Time: 5 PM to 9 PM Price: $49 per child What's Included -4 hours total -Approximately 3 hours of Battle House Laser Tag -Large slice of pizza and a drink -Movie time during dinner, then more laser tag time For Parents: Four glorious hours where parents do not have to entertain anyone Reserve tickets at: https://ecom.roller.app/battlehousefayetteville/parentsnightout/en-us/products

Safe Homes, Strong Families Resource Day is a free community event presented by PR Home Care for older adults, family caregivers, and families who want to plan ahead and connect with trusted local resources before a crisis occurs. Meet local professionals and learn about fall prevention, aging in place and home safety, dementia and caregiver support, planning, medication safety, home organization, and other resources that can support safer, more independent living. Aging in Place North Carolina will provide a featured presentation, “How to Safely and Comfortably Age in the Home You Love.” The event will also include community resources, giveaways, and complimentary light refreshments while supplies last. Free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome.

Experience the vibrant energy of live entertainment at the Sunset Music Series hosted at Waverly Place in Cary, North Carolina. This highly anticipated event brings the community together for unforgettable evenings featuring high-energy performances by talented bands. Whether you are looking to unwind after a productive workday or enjoy a lively social outing with friends and family, our concert series provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing mid-week escape under the open sky. The series runs throughout the month of September, offering guests a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy great music from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. While you take in the sounds of The Ray Band, you can enjoy a variety of wine and beer options available for purchase on-site. Please note that for the comfort and safety of all guests, outside alcohol and coolers are not permitted at the venue. We invite you to join us for these free community celebrations and discover why our outdoor music series is a local favorite. Visit the Waverly Place website today to view the full event schedule and plan your next evening out with us.

Experience an unforgettable month of music as Duke Arts returns to the American Tobacco Campus throughout September 2026. This vibrant concert series, expertly curated by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Tift Merritt, celebrates the enduring legacy of women who have shaped the world through powerful storytelling and artistic influence. Each Wednesday evening, the amphitheater beneath the iconic Lucky Strike water tower comes alive with soulful performances that honor this rich musical lineage. These performances are completely free to the public, inviting neighbors and music lovers to enjoy high-quality entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting. Whether you are a dedicated fan of singer-songwriters or simply looking for a relaxing way to spend a Wednesday night, this series offers something for everyone. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to settle in comfortably for the show. Make your way to 318 Blackwell Street in Durham to participate in this exceptional community event. For more information on the featured artists and to plan your visit, please head over to the official website today.

This concert features a showcase of melodic death metal and doom bands performing live. The event highlights the emotional depth and heavy soundscapes characteristic of the modern metal genre. Attendees will experience three distinct sets. Fires in the Distance brings emotional songwriting combined with crushing riffs and soaring melodies. They are joined by Austin based group Hinayana, who deliver atmospheric compositions defined by haunting melodies and massive heaviness. The lineup is completed by And I Become Death, providing a performance of aggressive and cinematic modern death metal. Each act brings a unique technical approach to the stage, ensuring a dynamic progression throughout the evening. This show is intended for fans of atmospheric and melodic metal who appreciate high quality live musicianship. The atmosphere will be intense and focused, providing an immersive experience for those interested in complex compositions and heavy live production. Tickets are available now for purchase through the venue website. Join us for a night dedicated to powerful instrumentation and technical precision. We look forward to seeing you at the venue for this unique metal showcase.

Get ready for the return of the Hopscotch Music Festival to downtown Raleigh from September 9 to September 13, 2026. This vibrant celebration of sound transforms the city into a musical playground, featuring over 100 bands performing across multiple iconic venues. While the main festival stages at Moore Square and City Plaza offer a premium ticketed experience, the highly anticipated Hopscotch Day Parties provide an incredible opportunity to enjoy live music throughout the city for free. These daytime events take place at various local bars, cafes, and creative spaces, offering an intimate atmosphere to discover your new favorite artists. Most of these performances are free to attend, though some venues may suggest a donation or have specific age requirements. Whether you are a dedicated music enthusiast or simply looking to soak up the high-energy atmosphere of the festival, these day parties are an essential part of the Raleigh experience. Visit the official festival website to view the complete schedule and plan your weekend of music today.

BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival is an annual gathering in Cary, North Carolina, dedicated to the art of short filmmaking and screenwriting. This event connects local and national creators with audiences to celebrate storytelling through the lens of independent cinema. Attendees can expect a diverse showcase of short film screenings and professional screenplay readings. The schedule includes educational workshops and panel discussions led by industry veterans. These sessions offer practical insights into the craft of film production and narrative development. The festival highlights excellence in storytelling by featuring winning works from across the country throughout the multi-day event. This festival is designed for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality creative work. The atmosphere is collaborative and professional, providing an excellent environment for networking and artistic inspiration. Whether you are a seasoned filmmaker or a fan of short-form cinema, this festival provides a unique opportunity to engage with the creative community in the heart of the Triangle. We invite you to join us this fall to experience the latest in short film and support the next generation of screenwriters and directors.

The Wake Forest Listening Room hosts a free afternoon concert series at Slims as part of the annual Hopscotch Music Festival. This event provides a showcase for live independent music in an accessible downtown venue setting. Doors open at noon and the performances run throughout the day until early evening. The lineup features five distinct musical acts starting with Dave Bender Rebellion at 1pm followed by The Roman Spring at 2pm. The afternoon continues with sets from The Gumbys at 3pm and Knockout Artist at 4pm before Medium Heat concludes the showcase at 5pm. Attendees can expect a high energy atmosphere focused on discovering talented regional artists. This event is ideal for music enthusiasts looking for a casual daytime experience during the larger festival weekend. Entry is free to the public which makes it a great opportunity to explore new music in a dedicated live performance space. We invite you to join us at Slims for a full day of music. Please arrive early to ensure entry as space is limited for this popular festival side event.

Toddler Tuesday: Digging for Dinosaurs is an interactive educational workshop led by Mad Science designed to introduce young children to the fundamentals of paleontology. This session provides a structured environment where toddlers explore the prehistoric world through hands-on learning and guided discovery. Participants will investigate the physical differences between meat-eating and plant-eating dinosaurs. The experience includes a close-up look at authentic-style dinosaur teeth to spark curiosity. Children will then take on the role of paleontologists by engaging in a mini dinosaur dig. These activities are specifically crafted to build scientific knowledge while maintaining an engaging pace suitable for young learners. Every component is designed to turn complex concepts into accessible play. This class is tailored for toddlers eager to learn about history and biology in a fun setting. The atmosphere is supportive, active, and focused on sensory discovery. It is an excellent opportunity for children to develop their observation skills while enjoying a unique group experience. Parents are encouraged to register soon to secure a spot for their little explorers in this popular weekly science series.

Are you looking to boost your digital confidence and stay connected in today's fast-paced world? Durham Parks and Recreation is thrilled to offer a specialized Computer Refresher course designed exclusively for adults ages 50 and older. This engaging series is hosted at the W.D. Recreation Center and provides a supportive environment where participants can sharpen their technical skills at a comfortable pace. Whether you want to brush up on internet navigation, email communication, or general device usage, this course offers valuable insights and hands-on practice to help you navigate modern technology with ease. Classes are held on Tuesday mornings from September 8 to September 29, with a second session running from October 6 to October 27. Because we are committed to providing personalized guidance to every student, class sizes are kept small. Please note that registration is mandatory to secure your spot in this popular program. Do not miss this fantastic opportunity to expand your knowledge and master the tools of the digital age. Register today to join our vibrant learning community and take your first step toward tech proficiency.

Join the vibrant community of local chess players at Durham Chess Enthusiasts for a welcoming and intellectually stimulating weekly gathering. Held every Tuesday at the inviting Der Nachbar Bottleshop and Taps, this event offers the perfect setting for players of all skill levels to engage in friendly matches and sharpen their strategic thinking. Whether you are a seasoned grandmaster or just learning the basics of the game, our community provides an inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to participate and connect with fellow neighbors. Der Nachbar provides a comfortable atmosphere with a wide selection of craft beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages available at their twenty taps. The venue is conveniently located on Hillsborough Road and features a spacious patio where participants can enjoy the fresh air. Families are more than welcome, although an adult must accompany all players under the age of eighteen. Best of all, this event is completely free to attend. Bring your own board if you wish or simply drop in to meet others. We invite you to join us this Tuesday to test your skills and be part of our growing local chess scene.